The seafood industry on the coast of Mississippi has attracted waves of immigrants and other workers, oftentimes folks who were either already acquainted with maritime livelihoods or those who quickly adapted to the resources of the region. For generations, the industry has provided employment and sustenance to Coast peoples. Deanne Love Stephens tells their stories and identifies key populations who have worked this harvest. Oyster and shrimp processing were the most significant of these trades, and much of the Gulf Coast's history follows these two delicacies. Harvesting, processing, and marketing oyster and shrimp products built the Mississippi seafood industry and powered the growth of the entire coastal region.

Stephens provides an overview of significant early developments and the beginnings of the industry, considering the development of railroad expansion, lighthouse construction, and ice technology. She covers significant state and federal legislation that both defined and protected marine resources, illustrating the depth of the industry’s importance as Mississippians wrestled with adequate protective measures to preserve oyster and shrimp resources throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The book is published by University Press of Mississippi. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"The definitive work on the subject of coastal seafood culture and industry in Mississippi." (Jason P. Theriot, author of Great Game Paradise)

"Meticulously researched and beautifully written...adds significantly to the historiography." (Connie L. Lester, University of Central Florida)

"Thorough and engaging...appropriate for courses in southern history, environmental history, labor history, and U.S. history." (Journal of Southern History)